On June 28th, Tommy hosted a Community Walk Through with ANC Commissioner Alan Kimber through several blocks and alleys between 2nd and 6th Street NE on both sides of H Street.

One of the most serious discoveries was an alley just north of Parker Street, NE. It was filled with trash and had a long list of public safety concerns. As part of the follow-up, MPD and the Mayor’s Core Team came back to the alley a few days later and conducted a “Fix It” operation. They cleared debris and wrote citations, and worked with residents to try and help clean it up. It’ll certainly take more than just one “Fix It” to create lasting change for that alley and the residents around it, but it was a rapid response and made a dent in a chronic problem.

Another problem that was cited was the lack of lighting at 2nd and Parker Street along the length of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute building. Residents and police reported the deep shadows attracted drug sales and prostitution. Tommy wrote a letter to the organization’s President and CEO (inserted below) and last Friday, I got a call from their office letting us know that they would be placing three exterior lights on their building to help better illuminate the corner and reduce the dark corners on that block. They said they would also angle the lights such that they won’t disturb residents at night.

We appreciate the quick work of the Mayor’s Core Team to begin addressing the alley, and the actions of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute to be good neighbors and to respond to the community request. Please let us know what you think.

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June 29, 2007

Esther Aguilera, President & CEO
Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute
911 2nd Street, NE
Washington, D.C. 20002

Dear Ms. Aguilera,

On behalf of the residents and business owners around your office headquarters at 911 2nd Street, NE, I request that the Congressional Hispanic Caucus install exterior lighting on the side of your building adjacent to Parker Street, NE.

During a recent community event in the neighborhood, it was brought to my attention by community members and the Metropolitan Police Department that poor lighting on the Parker Street side of your office has caused the building to become dangerous; attracting drug-dealers, prostitution, and vagrants. This poses an obviously dangerous situation for those that live and work in the area.

Installation of appropriate exterior lighting can serve as a significant deterrent to criminal behavior and would be a welcomed comfort to the local community. I would appreciate your assistance in this matter and would be happy to speak further with you regarding this request. If there is anything we can do to help, or if you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at (202) 724-8072.

Sincerely,
Tommy Wells
Councilmember, Ward 6